If you have been in an accident on public transit in Pennsylvania, then you are likely to be hurt more seriously than in a car, especially if you were standing. Although accidents involving buses, trains or trolleys are rare, they are often more serious. A collision between a car and a streetcar is generally not going to leave the car, or its occupants, in good condition.
The complication that immediately comes up is that SEPTA is a state agency, and thus has significant protection from liability through the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Pennsylvania has waived sovereign immunity for car accidents in which the at-fault driver was a government employee or on official business, which does allow an injured party to sue in many cases.
You do, however, have to send notice of your claim within six months. This means it is even more important to retain an accident lawyer Philadelphia PA immediately. A lawyer with experience dealing with SEPTA accidents can help get that paperwork in. Also, SEPTA’s negligence liability is capped at $250,000 – even in cases of extremely severe injury or permanent damage. An attorney can still help you get the best result possible within the law.
Suing the government is always more complicated than suing an individual or a company. Make sure you get the right kind of legal advice – you should call immediately after the accident, and choose a lawyer with experience dealing with SEPTA specifically. A good lawyer will give you a free consultation in which he will determine the merits of your case and whether it is worth pursuing.
A lawyer can then take the case on contingency, meaning you don’t pay anything until you win a settlement. If you have been injured in an accident involving a SEPTA train, bus, or trolley, then you need a good accident lawyer and you need one right away.
